Total Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
These Spicy Gochujang Turkey Lettuce Cups are bold, saucy, and irresistibly fresh. Imagine savory ground turkey caramelized with garlic and ginger, coated in a glossy, spicy-sweet gochujang sauce, then spooned into crisp, cool lettuce leaves. Every bite delivers contrast—warm and sticky filling against refreshing crunch, heat balanced by subtle sweetness, and bright pops of herbs throughout.
What makes this dish truly special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something vibrant and exciting. The gochujang brings depth and gentle heat, while fresh vegetables keep everything light and balanced. It’s high in protein, naturally lower in carbs, and packed with flavor—without feeling heavy.
Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even meal prep lunches, these lettuce cups are interactive and customizable. Each serving averages 350–400 calories with around 30–35 grams of protein, depending on toppings and portion size.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
These ingredients come together to create bold flavor, satisfying texture, and balanced heat.
Ground Turkey (1 pound, lean) – The protein-packed base. Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up bold sauces.
Gochujang (2 tablespoons) – Korean fermented chili paste that adds spicy, slightly sweet, deeply savory flavor.
Soy Sauce (1½ tablespoons) – Brings salty umami depth to balance the spice.
Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon) – Adds brightness and subtle acidity.
Honey or Maple Syrup (1 tablespoon) – Balances the heat with gentle sweetness.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Aromatic backbone of the filling.
Fresh Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated) – Adds warmth and zing.
Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon) – Provides nutty richness and authentic flavor.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon) – Used to sauté the turkey and aromatics.
Red Bell Pepper (½ cup, finely diced) – Adds sweetness and color.
Shredded Carrots (½ cup) – Brings crunch and natural sweetness.
Green Onions (¼ cup, sliced) – Fresh bite and subtle sharpness.
Butter Lettuce or Bibb Lettuce (1–2 heads, leaves separated) – Soft yet sturdy cups that hold the filling beautifully.
Cucumber (½ cup, diced) – Cool, crisp contrast to the spicy filling.
Toasted Sesame Seeds (1 tablespoon) – Light crunch and nutty finish.
Fresh Cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped) – Bright, herbal freshness.
Optional Add-Ons:
Sriracha (to taste) – For extra heat.
Crushed Peanuts (2 tablespoons) – Adds texture and richness.
Cooked Jasmine Rice (1 cup, optional) – For a heartier version.
Spicy Gochujang Turkey Lettuce Cups
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Bold and saucy gochujang turkey spooned into crisp lettuce leaves with fresh vegetables and herbs. A high-protein, low-carb dinner ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons gochujang
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1–2 heads butter or Bibb lettuce, leaves separated
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional:
- Sriracha to taste
- 2 tablespoons crushed peanuts
- 1 cup cooked jasmine rice
Instructions
- Separate lettuce leaves, rinse, and pat dry thoroughly. Prepare all vegetables and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and sesame oil until smooth.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook 5–7 minutes, breaking apart, until browned and fully cooked.
- Add garlic and ginger. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in diced bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Pour in the prepared sauce. Reduce heat and simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened and glossy.
- Remove from heat and stir in half of the green onions.
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of turkey mixture into each lettuce leaf.
- Top with cucumber, remaining green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, and optional toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Store turkey filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Keep lettuce leaves separate to maintain crispness.
- Freeze turkey filling for up to 2 months.
- Each serving averages 350–400 calories with 30–35g protein depending on toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (2–3 cups)
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)
1. Prep the Lettuce and Vegetables
Gently separate the lettuce leaves, keeping them whole to form sturdy cups. Rinse and pat dry thoroughly—excess moisture can make the cups slippery.
Dice the bell pepper, shred the carrots if needed, slice the green onions, and chop the cilantro. Set everything aside for easy assembly later.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Gochujang
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Honey or maple syrup
- Sesame oil
The mixture should be smooth, glossy, and slightly thick. Taste and adjust—add a touch more honey if you prefer it sweeter or a splash of vinegar for extra brightness.
3. Cook the Turkey
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground turkey and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula. The meat should brown slightly and no longer be pink.
Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. You’ll notice the aroma deepen and become slightly toasty.
Stir in the diced bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened but still vibrant.
Pour in the prepared gochujang sauce. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the turkey evenly. The mixture should look glossy and slightly caramelized around the edges.
Remove from heat and stir in half of the green onions.
4. Assemble the Lettuce Cups
Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the warm turkey mixture into each lettuce leaf.
Top with:
- Diced cucumber
- Remaining green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Optional crushed peanuts or extra drizzle of sauce
Serve immediately while the filling is warm and the lettuce is crisp.
Serving Suggestions
These lettuce cups are wonderfully versatile and make an impressive presentation with minimal effort. For a family-style dinner, arrange the lettuce leaves on a large platter and place the warm turkey filling in a bowl at the center. Surround it with small dishes of toppings—cucumber, herbs, sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, and extra sauce—so everyone can build their own. This interactive style makes dinner fun and customizable, especially if you’re serving guests with different spice preferences.
If you’re hosting a gathering, arrange the filled lettuce cups neatly on a serving tray and garnish with extra cilantro and sesame seeds for a vibrant, restaurant-style presentation. The colorful filling against the bright green lettuce makes the dish visually stunning. For a heartier meal, serve alongside jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or a simple cucumber salad tossed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. You can even turn this into a rice bowl by layering rice at the bottom, topping with turkey, and adding the same fresh garnishes.
Storage + Meal Prep
This recipe is excellent for meal prep because the filling stores beautifully. Allow the turkey mixture to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Store lettuce leaves separately, wrapped in paper towels inside a container or zip-top bag to absorb excess moisture and keep them crisp.
To reheat, warm the turkey filling in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Avoid assembling the lettuce cups ahead of time, as the moisture from the filling can soften the leaves. Instead, assemble fresh when ready to eat. Add fresh cucumber and herbs just before serving to maintain brightness and crunch.
The turkey filling can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion
Spicy Gochujang Turkey Lettuce Cups are proof that healthy dinners can be exciting, bold, and deeply satisfying. The combination of savory turkey, spicy-sweet sauce, and crisp lettuce delivers layers of flavor and texture in every bite.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving friends a vibrant, hands-on dinner, this recipe is flexible and fun. Adjust the spice, switch up the toppings, or turn it into a bowl—the possibilities are endless.
Give these lettuce cups a try and bring a little spicy, fresh energy to your dinner table tonight!
